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Former US defense secretary to speak on QM2

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Robert Gates - will speak during Aug. 11 trans-Atlantic crossing
Former US Defense Secretary Robert Gates is scheduled to sail aboard Queen Mary 2's Aug. 11 trans-Atlantic voyage from Southampton to New York.

As part of the Cunard Insights program, Gates will take part in two question and answer sessions with Queen Mary 2's entertainment director and participate in a book signing.

Gates served as the 22nd secretary of defense from 2006 to 2011, and is the only secretary of defense in US history to be asked to remain in that office by a newly elected president. He served under President Barack Obama and President George W. Bush.

On his last day in office, Gates was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor, by Obama.